The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission began stocking trout this week in rivers, streams and lakes ahead of the fall and winter months. The department had previously announced sampling would take place on Naples Creek (Canandaigua Lake), Cold Brook (Keuka Lake), and Catharine Creek (Seneca Lake), during the month of March. Get the latest trout stocking information and plan your next fishing trip. Fishing is more popular than ever this year as residents are taking advantage of New York States great freshwater fishing resources and looking for activities close to home, Regional Director Carrie Gallagher said. Purchase your license and trout stamp here: https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales. Join the community of people powering our rigorous, For a listing of stocked waters and the anticipated number of fish to be stocked, click on the appropriate county of interest below. 2021 TROUT FISHING UPDATES March 1, 2021 by Toby Lapinski Evan Kamoen with a large broodstock brown trout recently landed in Connecticut. Visit DECs websitefor information about freshwater fishing on Long Island or e-mail fwfish1@dec.ny.gov. The approach considers the capacity of a stream to support trout, the availability unused carrying capacity for trout after accounting for the needs of existing wild trout and the fishing pressure it receives. New Hampshire Sure I would sneak out for a little while every year to take my nephews fishing or to join a friend as he and his brother had a tradition of fishing at the crack of dawn on a local pond, but it was less about Opening Day for me than it was about just being outside. Wild-Quality: Streams in this category are more productive than those in the wild category and support an abundance of wild trout to provide a quality wild trout fishing experience. These streams tend to be well-known to anglers, at least locally, and are not likely to offer the degree of solitude available on wild category streams. *Wild category: The streams in this category make up the largest quantity and greatest diversity of wild trout fishing opportunities in the state. The black bass and panfish populations were evaluated from 2016 through May 2021 to monitor progress towards development of a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery. Was the anticipation of the big day keeping me up at night? // April 26, 2021 New York's trout season opened a few weeks ago and there is little doubt many area anglers were out enjoying the opportunity to fish for what arguably might be called New York's most popular game fish. Lisa Scheid explores how our lives are shaped by our relationship to the land, water and air. The fish are stocked from the Pequest Trout Hatchery and stocking concludes October 20. By November 14, the Carlls River, Southards Pond, Argyle Lake, Nissequogue River, West Lake, Swan River, and Upper Yaphank Lake will be stocked. Pleasant, N.J., caught and released this 18-inch brown trout on the Beaverkill near Junction Pool in Roscoe, N.Y. on opening day of the state trout fishing season. Scotts Run in Union Township is a 22-acre cold water lake that Department of Environmental Resources and Conservation says offers excellent trout and other cold water species fishing. Steve Hurst, chief of the DECs Bureau of Hatcheries, noted no less (stocked) fish will be hitting the water this year across the state. Most of the time I just smiled, said that it didnt do all that much for me as my true passion was in saltwater fishing and did my best to respectfully change the subject. Trout Stocking for Erie County. That is the new statewide default trout stream regulation. These sampling events provide an opportunityfor fisheries biologists to collect biological information on the growth, general condition, and maturity of the rainbow trout populations in the Finger Lakes. The DEC is accepting public comments on fishing regulation changes contained within the plan through Jan. 25, in hopes putting those changes into effect starting with the opening of the trout fishing season on April 1. 2023 www.poughkeepsiejournal.com. ** Updated 3/1/2021: The above-noted bill (SB-373) died. The categories and proposed changes to fishing regulations concerning the categories are also currently on the DEC website. *** Updated 3/5/2021: Trout season was opened immediately by way of Executive Order 10B. Regulations: Anglers will be allowed to take five fish per day, with no than two more than 12 inches in length. Adirondack Explorer All Rights Reserved, Catch up on all your Adirondacknews, delivered weekly to your inbox. Sinai, NY 11766 For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island or the fall trout stocking program in Nassau and Suffolk counties, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280, ore-mail the Fisheries Bureau. Some restrictions apply. Many states, though, including Pennsylvania have sustainably managed wild trout populations without a closed season, the DEC said. What can Adirondack lakes tell us about climate change? However, in recent years I have found myself jockeying for a prime position amongst the many other fishermen at a local trout-stocked stream or lake in Connecticut on the second Saturday of April. For instance, anglerswho have harvest trout during a day of fishing that has taken them to different reaches on a stream or multiple streams must understandthe daily possession limit of the reach being fished includes trout placed or stored in a vehicle. Dutchess County streams will receive their first round of trout from the DEC hatchery system ahead of the April 1opening of trout season. Copyright 2023 On The Water, LLC. Home New York Opinion Brook trout a fishermans favorite, Brook trout a fishermans favorite Read More , The classic runs Friday through Sunday, March 3-5, and includes events such as a big buck contest, a shed antler. The new stocking categories are efforts by the DEC to change and simplify things, while catering to the wide range of angler demands. See the DEC website for an assessment on the nearly 500 comments from the public on the overall plan that were received last year. Following completion of these repairs and modifications, refill occurred in 2013, and the Commission resumed annual adult trout stocking to provide immediate angling opportunities. Suffolk County received 4,450 trout for Argyle Lake, Southards Pond, Kahlers Pond, Twin Pond in Centerport, West Lake, Upper Yaphank Lake, Deep Pond, and the tidal waters of the Carmans River, Nissequogue River, and Swan River. A total of 7,850 brown trout were released in late October and early November to provide additional fishing opportunities for Long Island anglers. Hatcheries and Stocking (Public Waters) Coldwater Stocking . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. In Suffolk County, a total of approximately 3,200 brown trout will be stocked in 10 water bodies by October 31, with an additional 1,250 to seven Suffolk County water bodies by November 14. It will simplify things with easy to understand regulations, he said. In addition to starting the new, catch-and-release season this year, the DECs management plan calls for a multi-year study to assess how the season will affect angling pressure and trends in wild trout reproduction on 10-12 streams -- streams that have yet to be named. 25724 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[25703 169]/Info 25702 0 R/Length 113/Prev 706827/Root 25704 0 R/Size 25872/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream A crucial difference between the old and new stream management and stocking strategies is that the new plan differentiates between stocked and wild trout streams/stream stretches by dividing them up into five management categories based on size, quality of habitat and the degree of public access. The changes will be reflected in this years New York Freshwater Fishing Guide scheduled for release prior to the April 1 opener of the statewide regular trout fishing season. At my last job prior to joining The Fisherman, I worked in an office of about 150 people. During the 2021 fall trout stocking season, two-year-old trout averaging about 14 - 16 in length, along with some three-year-old broodstock will be stocked in several rivers, ponds, streams and lakes throughout New Jersey. The study will include angler input and assistance in carrying it out. The strategies outlined will be subjected to on-going evaluation during the life of the plan, DEC said. The DEC website has a master list of the streams and the categories they now fall under. Whether I was throwing Rapalas or even mouse flies, I put a lot into trout fishing this past year and it hasnt shown any signs of slowing down. For the first time, were drawing a line in the sand between wild and stocked trout management, said Steve Hurst, chief of the DECs Bureau of Fisheries. Because the stocked-extended category can support stocked trout later in the season, they may receive additional stocking to extend fishing opportunities. The sea lamprey is an eel-like fish that grows to about two-feet long. She is the environmental and outdoors beat reporter. WappingerCreek is categorized as stocked extended and wild-quality. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Adirondack Explorer today and help us tell the stories that need to be told. Each spring, thousands of yearling brown, brook and rainbow trout raised at DEC Fish Hatcheries are stocked in over 50 streams in the region. DEC is implementing a new Trout Stream Management Plan that will alter the regulations for every stream in the state. 25871 0 obj <>stream By Francesca Krempa. Most of the angling public are law-abiding citizens. Regulations: Anglers will be allowed to keep five fish per day, with no more than two over 12 inches in length. Meanwhile, the DEC is taking comment on several new fishing regulations associated with it. Yes, I was a cubicle jockey for many years and I acted out a real-life version of The Office on an almost daily basis. Antietam Lake is a reservoir within the 643-acre Antietam Lake Park. But on the other hand, other waterways will be stocked more often. LINCOLN, Neb. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will put approximately 21,000 trout in the states major trout waters. < Previous post: New England Video Fishing Forecast February 25, 2021Next post: Long Island Video Fishing Forecast -March 4, 2021 >, The Fisherman YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Many years ago, I was fly fishing the Delaware River. Kudos to the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries for listening to . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. An older gent was who watching the action laughed and told me it was the first time he had ever seen someone make it from mid-stream to the bank and not leave a ripple in the water. 2022 Winter Stocking Schedule for Select Impoundments in Central and Western North Carolina (PDF) Warmwater Stocking New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. However, springtime conditions are suitable for stocking and the amount of public access (via public property, easements or willing landowners) and angler pressure justifies a single spring-time stocking. Were trying to satisfy an array of anglers and doing it in a responsible manner. Were trying to make fishing simpler, more fun and manage angler expectations.. Because it was early summer, I was not using fishing waders. Sign up for our FREE Fishing Reports Today! Along the way I also rekindled an interest in the fly rod, and in 2020 I spent more time targeting trout than I had done in any single year of my life. help video help supported browsers catalog navigation. Even for non-trouters, word that the trout stocking trucks have been seen warming up is a signal of good things to come. DEC is accepting public comments on the proposed rule changes through Jan. 25. ABOUT PRESS RELEASES EXECUTIVE ORDER OPEN DATA PROGRAM OVERVIEW OPEN DATA HANDBOOK DATASET SUBMISSION GUIDE REPORTS. Not valid with other promotions. Did I have my license yet? Regulations: Anglers will be allowed to keep three trout per day, with no more than one over 12 inches. (BEN HASTY READING EAGLE), From left are Eric Stosius, with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Frank Mehalko, a Waterways Conservation officer, and Alan Carl, a volunteer, get the hose system set up. Email comments to regulations.fish@dec.ny.gov or mail them to NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, N.Y. 12233-4754. 25703 0 obj <> endobj The most pervasivechange: While you may still keep five trout, only one or two trout may be more than 12 inches, depending on the stream, or the reach or section of stream you are fishing. A total of 7,850 brown trout were released in late October and early November to provide additional fishing opportunities for Long Island anglers. Vermont Trout are beautiful and colorful critters living in a variety of habitats and therein lies their allure for veteran Read More It focuses on inland streams and rivers and excludes lakes, ponds, tidal streams and major tributaries of the Finger Lakes, Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. The yearling brown trout were approximately 10 -12 inches and were delivered to Long Island by DEC Catskill Hatchery staff. The new plan comes after three years of numerous public meetings, input for anglers and angler groups, the creation of a statewide focus group of veteran trout anglers and a review of the latest in fishery science research, according to the DEC. See the 50-page plan on the DECs website. Updated: Mar 30, 2021 / 08:34 AM EDT. In place of my 11-foot Lamiglas I pack a 6-foot St. Croix. Its been a record year for seeing sandhill cranes at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, Bassmaster Elite Series returns to Upstate NY this year, Ice fishing 101: The basics for being safe, having fun and catching fish. Trout are beautiful and colorful critters living in a variety of habitats and therein lies their allure for veteran . In Nassau County, a total of approximately 2,000 brown trout will be stocked in Wantaghs Upper Twin Pond, Massapequa Reservoir, and Oyster Bay Mill Pond by October 31, with an additional stocking of 1,400 trout to these water bodies by November 14. It was introduced by Sen. Craig Miner of the 30th District and co-sponsored by Rep. Craig C. Fishbein of the 90th District. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will put approximately 21,000 trout in the state's major trout waters. Trout Fishing in Western New York. Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomos Adventure NY Initiative (PDF), DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources and boost local economies. Historic Autum Stocking. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announces its fall trout stocking program for Nassau and Suffolk counties. The annual rainbow trout sampling events on Finger Lakes tributaries have been cancelled by DEC due to concerns about the possible spread of COVID-19. Hurst said of the total costs associated with implementing this new plan have yet to be determined but predicted theyre not going to be that huge in the grand scheme of things. The DEC is already modernizing its hatcheries, he said, and they wont have to do major retooling to implement the plan. Email comments to regulations.fish@dec.ny.gov or mail them to to NYSDEC Bureau of fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, N.Y. 12233-4754. The management plan calls for the submittal of a final report on the new catch-and-release season by 2024. Fortunately,I had more leg than it had mouth. Every spring legions of anglers set out for their first fish of the new season, often times it comes in the form of rainbow, brown, brook or even tigertrout that is! It was purchased by Berks County in 2006. open ny catalog developers. Waters in Nassau County received 3,400 trout in Oyster Bay Mill Pond, Upper Twin Pond in Wantagh, and Massapequa Reservoir. In addition to the above-mentioned spawning run assessment, sea lamprey wounding data are used to evaluate the sea lamprey control program in Seneca Lake. - A change has been made to the fall stocking schedule of rainbow trout by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Sampling which has been an annual event since the 1960s also had to be cancelled for the 2020 migration period. The multi-faceted plan covers a variety of issues. Hurst said that would be issue for law enforcement. sign in. For information about DECs efforts to support healthy fish populations in waters across New York State, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html. "Although we have a schedule, Nebraska's weather may have its own mind that alters our plans. Since 2013, anglers at Leaser Lake were limited to only trout, but the Fish and Boat Commission recently learned the bass and panfish populations are improving. "Hatchery crews work tirelessly throughout the year and drive thousands of miles ensuring trout arrive safe and healthy to their destinations," Anderson said. Read more about this the DECs State Trout Stream Management Plan: What you need to know about the DECs proposed statewide catch-and-release trout fishing season, Ice fishing 1010 in Upstate NY: The basics for a safe, fun outing and catching fish, Its been a record year for seeing sandhill cranes at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, Bassmaster Elite Series returns to Upstate NY this year. Rosedale Lake postponed due to a Harmful Algal Bloom. NICHOLVILLE Wriggling and almost free, 7,800 rainbow trout were released into the St. Regis River on Monday, the region's latest, and one of the largest, introductions scheduled for annual spring stocking. LOG IN: MassFishHunt Each year MassWildlife stocks about 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout from its five hatcheries in Sandwich, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland, and Montague. To keep this classification, these waterways must maintain a trout abundance greater than 60 pounds per acre or 600 yearling and older trout per mile. Creel limits and size limits are as follows: Category . Even for non-trouters, word that the trout stocking trucks have been seen warming up is a signal of good things to come. New Hampshire: April 24 in trout ponds, 1/1 in rivers and streams, Recently a proposed bill filed in Connecticut in January came across my computer. All rights reserved (About Us). State pauses brook trout stocking to study acid rain recovery. info@thefisherman.com YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Trout stocking which includes brown, brook and . HELP VIDEO HELP SUPPORTED BROWSERS CATALOG NAVIGATION. 0 He said he used a minnow pattern streamer. Also in this weeks report, with last weeks blizzard dropping more snow across South Dakota, the prospects of an early. DEC Region 1 has completed the fall trout stocking of waters throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Among the concerns, notes the plan, is the decline of new trout anglers on the states fishing scene. The Fisherman This category includes a wide array of streams, from small headwaters sustaining native brook trout at carrying capacity to larger unproductive stretches that contain trout but that are habitat limited and/or access limited. These streams, especially in the Catskills and Adirondacks are of interest to anglers motivated by the chance to encounter wild trout while fishing in relative solitude. These streams are defined as incompatible with stocked trout management, thus will not be stocked. 866-347-4836, New England Video Fishing Forecast February 25, 2021, Long Island Video Fishing Forecast -March 4, 2021, Trout season was opened immediately by way of Executive Order 10B. The strategy considers the capacity of a stream to support trout, the streams carrying capacity for more fish after accounting for the needs of existing wild trout and the fishing pressure it receives. 116 Shore Rd. Many of you have already seen the news release, but let me start with that: . Kyle Lehmuth caught and released this 23-inch brown trout on opening day last year fishing Kinderhook Creek in Columbia County. After tracking improvements in water quality - specifically acid/base chemistries and contaminants - the department determined the . In October, the commission stocked rainbow trout in the Tulpehocken Creek between Rebers Bridge Road and the mouth of the creek and in Scotts Run Lake in French Creek State Park in Union Township. All rights reserved. 2008-2023 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. With the new season will come some new regulations. There are some streams already open for angling year-round some that even allow anglers to keep fish during the off-season. While the trout stocked now will provide immediate fishing opportunities in the fall, many of the trout will replenish lakes that are popular for ice fishing during winter 2021 and into. NEW YORK (WWTI) Trout fishing season will open across New York State this week. Creel limits and size limits are as follows: Uncategorized, which will be the default statewide trout stream regulation, includes any reach without public access. Beech leaf disease has the potential to kill off large, Emotions high over proposed Old Forge housing project, More than 150 people came to View in Old Forge. The hatchery plays a vital role in helping keep the balance between . The Division of Fish and Wildlife reared and stocked half a million rainbow trout at its Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County that have been released into a large number of streams, rivers. Your email address will not be published. Issues addressed in the plan include increasing fishing opportunities for anglers, trout stocking and proposed increases in the sizes of fish stocked, a new emphasis on sustaining and increasing wild trout fishing populations and fishing opportunities, angler access to waterways, habitat restoration/enhancement of trout streams, simplifying and reducing the current myriad of trout fishing regulations and doing it all in a way that is open and transparent to the general public. To date, a total of $17 million in NY Works funding has been allocated to infrastructure repair and modernization of DECs hatchery system. Regulations: Anglers are only allowed to keep one fish per day or any size. All rights reserved. See the 50-page plan on the DECs website. Massachusetts: Open year-round Subsequently, SB-838 was filed. Currently, the states inland streams have more than 25 different regulations, depending on where and when one is fishing. Game and Parks also stocked cutthroat trout the week of Sept. 27 at: White River, Fort Robinson SP - 750; Lake . hbbd``b`y $ @BH0 k@bA 0;@U*@"" $v H3 v :Jjqr_ di Click here to login. A decrease in stream access has led to the removal of trout stocking from a 3.6-mile section of stream extending from the Interstate . Wild-Premier: This category constitutes the very short list of the states most productive large trout streams. parked at the top of the bank at Antietam Lake reservoir in Lower Alsace Township. (BEN HASTY READING EAGLE), From left are Frank Mehalko, a Waterways Conservation officer, and Richard Carl, a volunteer, setting up the hose system that theyll use to move the fish from the truck down the bank into the lake. The state has traditionally closed off trout stream fishing during the winter months as a precaution against the disruption of wild trout reproduction. (BEN HASTY READING EAGLE), At Antietam Lake reservoir in Lower Alsace Township, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission employees, with the help of volunteers, stocked rainbow trout. Alan Carl holds the hose in place in the water as a load of fish comes through from the truck. In this file photo, Dana Reed, of Pt. Bill Conners of the Federation of Fish and Game Clubs writes on outdoors issues. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that trout fishing season in the state will open on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Since 1990, the state has put trout in streams from its hatcheries using a catch rate-oriented trout stocking (CROTS) strategy. Rhode Island In the past the yearling trout stocked each year by the DEC averaged 6-8 inches. Minnesota Mixed Bag: Big sports shows coming up in March, Report from the Dakotas: Flexibility will be central to CRP negotiations, Minnesota Cuffs & Collars: Wild turkey misidentified as an eagle, Minnesota DNR in early stages of modernizing its licensing system, How to catch and cook whitefish and tullibees, Minnesota DNRs EagleCam has one broken egg, one egg ready to hatch in March, Beyond Minnesota: Wisconsin board member wants more money to maintain public lands, New fishing regulations in effect for Big Sandy, other Minnesota lakes. More on the DECs State Trout Stream Management Plan: How the DECs new plan will affect stocking of inland streams and rivers. OPEN NY CATALOG DEVELOPERS. In short it simply seeks to amend the general statutes to establish a year-round trout season with the statement of purpose noted To promote fishing in the state.. Your email address will not be published. daryl bauer October 6, 2021 Comments Off on Fall Trout Stocking, 2021. In addition, select streams are also supplemented with 2-year old brown trout that average 12-15 inches long. Maine Email: conners@billconners.net. Under the new plan, the goal is to only stock yearling trout that are at least 9 inches. That is the new statewide default trout stream regulation. For more than a decade, the plan notes, New York has opened up a few trout streams across the state for year-round angling and has gained confidence and found it is feasible to sustainably manage wild trout with a a winter catch-and-release season. Also, despite intuition and long-established angling tradition .. the science shows no evidence of harm at the population level (of trout) where catch and release angling is permitted.. Copyright 2023Outdoor News. 866-347-4836, Editors Log: Like It Or Not Politics And Fishing Do Mix, South Jersey Yacht Sales Breaks New Ground At Somers Point Facility. Visit Mass.gov/Trout to get the latest information. At some point I became aware of a scraping on my ankle. For more information see Terms and Conditions. From October through December, the PFBC will stock approximately 130,000troutinto some of the most popular lakes and creeks, providing a chance to enjoy fishing amid cool temperatures, beautiful fall scenery, and with fewer crowds of competing anglers. Today, we look at one of the components of the plan, which still needs to be finalized -- a statewide, catch-and-release season, apart from the regular trout fishing season.). Neshannock Creek, Lawrence and Mercer counties. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Sportfish abundance and population size structure have steadily improved tolevels where populations can now sustain limited harvest, the commissioners were told at the agencys October meeting. While most anglers only think of trout stocking ahead of the popular spring trout fishing season, when more than 3 million trout are stocked statewide, the state Fish and Boat Commission also stocks dozens of waterways in the fall and winter months. Coldwater Daily Stocking Update ; Delayed Harvest Trout Waters Stocking Schedule (PDF) 2023 Hatchery Trout Stocking Schedule (PDF) Weekly Coldwater Stocking Update . Located at the eastern edge of Hamburg, Kaercher Creek Lake is a 31-acre impoundment owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and managed by the Fish and Boat Commission for public fishing and boating. The tributary surveys are timed to occur during the peak of the rainbow trout spawning run as part of DECs ongoing sea lamprey control program. In this story, we look at two important components of the plan: 1. how the streams/stream stretches will be broken down to five new management categories, and 2. the DECs new approach and rationale about stocking these waterways -- or not.). A total of nearly 8,000 fall yearling brown trout will be stocked this fall. Maintenance and repairs are scheduled to be completed in 2023, and the lake will be reinstated to the trout stocking program once conditions allow following refill. New Yorks trout season opened a few weeks ago and there is little doubt many area anglers were out enjoying the opportunity to fish for what arguably might be called New Yorks most popular game fish. Spring Trout Stocking (2022) On-line Sporting License Purchase - save time with the convenience of purchasing your fishing license on-line now! The state Department of Environmental Conservation released the finalized version of the multi-faceted plan, which would govern the agencys actions for the next 10 years, this past November. Fish Stocking Data Anticipated Trout Stocking for Current Year Please remember to be safe out there while enjoying some fall freshwater fishing opportunities! Along with the Finger Lakes, season lamprey can be found in Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and several major river systems across the state, including the Delaware. I set my alarm at an hour otherwise only reserved for pre-dawn hunts in the surf, but instead of a wetsuit I slide into rubber boots and a warm coat. Yep, I fell into the trap and I enjoyed every minute of it! Take out what you bring in or place trash in receptacles. The sampling events are announced in advance by DEC and will sometimes draw large crowds, hence the concern about COVID-19 exposure.